replaced throttle position sensor
I had noticed the throttle seemed a little jumpy every evening when I pulled the car into the garage after work, or just idling through a parking lot. A slight nudge of the pedal seemed to often produce a several hundred RPM flare of the engine no matter how gentle I was.
It wasn't that big a deal, but I started to realize something wasn't quite right. I thought about the idle air control, but I knew the engine had no trouble settling down to the correct idle speed under various circumstances; cold start, air conditioner on/off, or rolling up to a stop sign.
So I guessed throttle position sensor. It is a mechanical potentiometer and these are known to wear. I could have ohmed it out, but I am too lazy and I do believe in changing wear items prophylactically (just for you, Zack ).
Put it in a couple days ago along with new hood struts. Took about 15 minutes all told including cleaning the IAC, which has to come off anyway. $40 from Tasca parts plus $25/each for the struts. I disconnected the battery to make sure the PCM re-learned the sensor resistance. No more jumpy gas pedal. A minor detail, but it was a nice improvement to slow speed drivability.
Lifespeed
2004 Silver Birch Marauder 130K miles
Wilwood Aero6 F, NMDP R brakes, Penske 7500DA shocks, Hypercoil 600lbs F and Grand Marquis R air springs, Addco tubular sway bars, Metco control & Watts, 31 sp axles, Stainless Works cat-back exhaust, Lidio tune, American Racing AR883 9.3" 50mm F 10" 59mm R 20" wheels, Pirelli P-Zero 265/35-20, 275/40-20 tires
Coming soon: Livernois 5.0L stroker, ADTR/Vortech V2 intercooled SC, Silverfox trans and Circle D converter